ABOUT 60 fisherfolk participated in the fluvial parade along the coastal road in Davao City on Sunday afternoon, March 23, 2025, in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Their parade started at Seaside Bago Aplaya going to Daliao Fishport, proceeding to Coastal Road in Dumalag then back to origin. The fisherfolk were wearing a white t-shirt and were chanting "Duterte" while raising their fists in the air. The boats were seen with tarpaulins bearing the message "Bring him home" and "We stand with FPRRD."
Ivan Jay Navalta, the event organizer, said in an interview with SunStar Davao that participating fisherfolks were coming from Matina Dumalag, Muslim Village Bangkal, Salakot Talomo Proper, and Bago Aplaya. He said they limited the number of participants for safety purposes. After their parade in the sea, they will be joining in the unity parade going to Digos City.
“So far naa na mi pre-registration about 60 ka bangka members sa fisherfolks from Matina Dumalag, Muslim Village Bangkal ,Salakot Talomo Proper, Bago Aplaya," he said.
Navalta said the fisherfolks are doing this to show their support to the former president especially since he was taken to the Hague, Netherlands.
To recall, on March 11, 2025, Duterte was brought to The Hague, Netherlands, to face allegations of crimes against humanity. He attended a pre-trial hearing virtually on March 14. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing on September 25, where he will be formally presented with the accusations against him.
Meanwhile, the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) is calling on Duterte supporters to join the “Rody at 80: Global Filipino Solidarity” on March 28 at 3 p.m. as part of their efforts to bring the former president back from the Netherlands. While the party has not disclosed the exact venue, attendees are encouraged to wear green.
Several events across the region have been organized to celebrate former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday and call for his return.
A “Global Tribute Rally for Duterte” will also be held on March 28, 2025, at the Tagum New City Hall. The event will begin at 2 p.m., starting from Tagum City Rotary Park before proceeding to the city hall’s open arena.
There will also be a 24-hour “Global Peaceful Prayer Rally for Duterte” in Caraga, Davao Oriental on the same date. According to the post, the event aims to promote peace and unity while offering prayers for Duterte’s safety, security, justice, and well-being. It will kick off with a Run for Peace and Unity at 5 p.m., followed by a short program at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Poblacion, Caraga.
Duterte supporters in Lupon, Davao Oriental, have also organized a prayer rally on March 28 at the Lupon Oval. According to a Facebook post by Bogick Jak Idol, the event will feature free T-shirt printing and a candle-lighting ceremony. RGP